DJI Neo: A Compact Drone with Robust Features for Creatives

Engadget has been reviewing consumer technology since 2004, and their recent evaluation of DJI‘s latest offering, the Neo drone, highlights its potential appeal for social media influencers and content creators. Priced at $200, this compact device is designed for simplicity and spontaneity, integrating features such as palm takeoff and voice control, which make it accessible even to beginners.

The DJI Neo, weighing just 135 grams, is notable for its lightweight design, making it the lightest drone from DJI. Its diminutive dimensions allow it to be easily carried in a large jacket pocket and exempt from drone license requirements. Despite its small size, the Neo is equipped with capabilities from DJI’s larger drones, including ActiveTrack and FPV capabilities, plus the ability to shoot video in 4K resolution. “Forget about fuzzy video on other cheap drones,” an Engadget reviewer asserts, praising the device’s affordability and video quality.

However, the Neo is not without limitations. It lacks features such as obstacle detection sensors and vertical video capability, the latter being a potential drawback for social media enthusiasts. Another noted constraint is the drone’s noise level, which can be disruptive during events.

During testing, the Neo demonstrated versatility across various scenarios, from casual settings to weddings. The design favors safety with protective propeller guards and allows quick launches using simple hand gestures. According to DJI, the Neo offers a range of preprogrammed “smart shots,” enhancing its ease of use for dynamic content creation.

Voice control is an innovative feature facilitated through DJI’s Fly More app, allowing users to command the drone vocally. “Hey Fly” activates this function, enabling users to change flight patterns without handling a controller. This functionality, however, requires proximity between the user’s device microphone and the drone due to its engine noise.

The Neo can also be operated entirely via smartphone, displaying digital joystick controls on an app interface, although this approach limits range significantly due to Wi-Fi constraints. More comprehensive control is possible with additional DJI controllers, although these are sold separately.

Storage onboard the Neo consists of 22GB internal memory, sufficient for 40 minutes of 4K video, but there is no microSD slot, necessitating file transfer via a USB-C port. The drone’s performance spans speeds up to 18 mph in sport mode and a higher velocity of 36 mph with additional hardware. However, experts at Engadget caution that these speeds, particularly the latter, increase the noise considerably.

In terms of durability, the Neo withstands impacts well. Engadget’s team reported minor crashes during testing, none of which impaired functionality. DJI offers insurance for the device, highlighting its durability yet foresight for potential mishaps.

The Neo’s camera features a 1/2-inch 12-megapixel sensor capable of sharp photos and videos. It also supports DJI’s RockSteady stabilization and HorizonBalancing features for smoother footage. However, low-light performance is limited, and there are no advanced recording modes like D-LogM for dynamic range enhancement.

Despite the Neo’s drawbacks, including a maximum flight time of 17 minutes per battery charge, it offers an attractive package for its price point with robust features for content creators, particularly in capturing personal and social media content. Available immediately, the Neo has garnered substantial interest, leading to rapid sellouts since its recent release, according to DJI.